Category: Theology

Was the woman at the well ever married? A response to Denny Burk

Denny Burk writes here, speculating on whether or not the woman at the well (John 4:1-26) was married to any of the 5 men Jesus refers to.  His argument is based on the fact that the same Greek word, “aner” can be translated simply as “man” or as “husband” depending on context. Though having made… Continue reading Was the woman at the well ever married? A response to Denny Burk

What about those curses?

I wanted to write say a little bit more about the fear of curses.  Previously I argued that Spiritual Warfare is not about a kind of superstitious approach relying on symbols and actions to ward off evil.  What I mean by this is twofold.  First, I don’t need to worry too much if there is… Continue reading What about those curses?

The Big Preach

The Gospels introduce both to what Jesus did and what he said.  A significant proportion of that teaching is grouped together in both Matthew and Luke at around about this point either under the heading of “The Sermon on the Mount” when referencing Matthew or “The Sermon on the Plain” (Luke). I believe both accounts… Continue reading The Big Preach

The Church United

If Ephesians is about God’s purpose for his people, then this means that a central focus is on the church. In fact one of the ways that we might express Paul’s overall theme is that God’s people should be united together in love to Christ first and then to one another as his beautiful body.… Continue reading The Church United

The Gospel in Ephesians

At the heart of all of Paul’s letters is the Gospel. It was clearly his belief that a restating of how and why we are saved is what we need if we are to live godly lives.  This is true in Ephesians as well.  Whilst some of his themes, most notably justification are not mentioned… Continue reading The Gospel in Ephesians

Faith

Jesus’ preaching and miracle working is drawing crowds but we also get to see Jesus’ interactions with individuals who are called to follow him.  How will people respond? The hostility of Scribes and Pharisees is contrasted with the faith of others who believe in Jesus, receive healing and follow him. 9.1 Read Luke 5:1-11 Jesus… Continue reading Faith

The preacher

Jesus’ baptism and temptation mark the beginning of his public ministry.  Jesus returns from the Jordan river and begins preaching, visiting synagogues on the Sabbath and addressing the crowds which begin to be drawn to him as he starts to do miraculous signs and heal the sick.[1] Note that Matthew specifically links this with John’s… Continue reading The preacher

New Exodus

After his baptism, Jesus goes into the wilderness or desert region around the Jordan river. He spends forty days there, fasting and experiencing temptation from Satan.  Mark sums this up in a few lines: 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[g] by Satan. He was with… Continue reading New Exodus